Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts

This Father’s Day, toss the ties (he isn’t wearing them anywhere) and wipe out the wallets. Wondering how to shop for dad when stores are closed or venturing out seems daunting? I came up with 5 customizable gifts for the hard-working guy in your life that can be found at stores that are open. These last-minute Father’s Day gifts will be more meaningful because YOU made them!

Old Fashioned Kit

Does Dad have a favorite cocktail but never has all the ingredients in one place to make it? Create a cocktail kit for him! An Old Fashioned is a classic that never goes out of style. Here are the items to put in your kit:

1 bottle of Belfour Bourbon Whiskey
1 bottle of bitters
1 orange
Peeler
Simple Syrup
1 jar of cherries
1 old fashioned glass

Assemble in a basket and create an “Old Fashioned Kit” tag with the recipe:

I chose Belfour Spirits because they are all about celebrating the father-child bond. This company was created by former Chicago Blackhawk and Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour. (Side note- Ed Belfour played goalie for my hometown hockey team- the Saginaw Hawks).

He and his son Dayn, a former semi-pro hockey player, happened to find themselves in a transition period together. As they made up for lost time, they bonded over a shared passion of whiskey. The family company Belfour Spirits was formed, with Ed as the President & CEO, Dayn as the Vice President and daughter Reaghan as the VP of Finance & Operations.

Sweet Treat Apothecary Jar

My dad is the one who always stole my Halloween candy. If yours had a sweet tooth like mine, make him his own sweet treat jar that is gorgeous enough to sit in your kitchen. Fill it with individually wrapped candy that he steals on the regular.

Purchase or reuse a candlestick- if you don’t love the color, spray paint it. Purchase or reuse a glass jar and spray paint the lid the same color as the candlestick.

Glue the glass jar to the top of the candlestick. You can choose to add a drawer knob to the top of the jar lid for an accent.

To make sure no one eats dad’s stash, you can print out a small label saying “Dad’s stache” with a cute graphic of a mustache on it.

Hit up the candy section at your grocery store and find your dad’s favorite individually-wrapped candies to fill the jar. This Father’s Day, dad deserves to hoard his favorites and keep them from the kids.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

My son and I have been making BBQ sauce together since he was old enough to stir the pot. We gift it every year to our family members for Christmas. This is an easy gift for kids of almost any age to make. Simply pour all contents in the recipe into a pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Let cool, spoon into Mason jars and add fabric and a tag to the top.

Here is the recipe I use:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire
• 2 tsp. liquid smoke
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Optional- cayenne pepper to taste for spice!

Directions: 

Whisk ingredients together in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened a bit. Pour into Mason jars and seal tightly. I used Ball 4 oz. Quilted Jelly Jars– they add a little retro flair and are the perfect condiment size. This is one of the last-minute Father’s Day gifts that are useful and delicious. He can use this sauce all through the summer as a basting sauce for the grill or even as a dipping sauce right from the jar.

Windowsill Herb Planter

Spring is the season for plants to sprout, and it is prime time for cooking with fresh herbs. You can make an easy windowsill herb planter in no time. First, remove the labels from three same-size spaghetti sauce jars. My favorite- Trader Giotto’s Traditional Marinara Sauce for $1.29. I can’t fathom spending eight bucks on a gourmet sauce when this does the deed for so much less.

Next, add pebbles to the bottom for drainage. Trader Joe’s usually has potted herbs available during the spring starting at $1.99, and larger basil plants for $3.99. Re-pot Basil, Mint, Chives, Parsley, or any other herbs you prefer to the glass jars. You can create a label for each herb and attach it to the top of the jar using twine. I wrapped raffia around the glass jars and secured with hot glue.

Custom Funny Toilet Paper

Since toilet paper has been in shorage lately, this is quite a valuable gift in addition to getting a laugh. Wrap an individual roll in a clear velum bag and print out a label with a funny saying- here are a few ideas:

Dad, thanks for putting up with my *poop emoji*
Happy Father’s Day to a dad who really knows his *poop emoji*
Dad, thanks for all the things you doo-doo!
Dad, sorry we made you lose your *poop emoji*
King of the throne
Dad, thanks for just rolling with it

Printable images (right-click to save):

Yes, this TP tower of last-minute Father’s Day gifts might be more joke than prized possession, but hey- TP is a hot commodity when even Costco limits how much you can purchase!

Cheers to finding the perfect gift for dad even if it is last-minute and you were limited to the grocery store for shopping.

Disclosure- I received Belfour product for review purposes. All opinions are honest and my own as always.